“ ‘My boy!’ said the old gentleman, leaning over the desk. Oliver stated at the sound. He might be excused for doing so, for the words were kindly said, and strange sounds frighten one. He trembled violently, and burst into tears.”（from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist）
Explain why Oliver Twist started first, then trembled violently and burst into tears when the words were “kindly” said.
The boy started at the words because kind words were not expected: it is( was. must be) the first time in all his life that Oliver Twist had ever been "kindly" greeted strange sounds may predict another suffering/misfortune/torture.
